Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, Amagami SS or any of its characters. I wrote this fanfic for my own pleasure and purely entertainment.
Chapter 6 - Jealousy
Heero Yuy was on his way to the cafeteria for lunch time with the intention of buying a heavy meal set since he would proceed to the construction site once classes were finished for the day. As the Gundam Pilot neared the stairs en route to the canteen, he ran into Ms. Maya Takahashi who was descending from the third floor. His homeroom teacher's face lit up upon seeing the Prussian eyed boy, Heero bowed politely to her before the young teacher opened the conversation.
"Heero-kun, you seem to be in high spirits these past few days." Maya started, while smiling at the brown haired boy.
'What does she mean by that?' The mobile suit pilot wondered, nevertheless he listened with a nonchalant front as Maya continued.
"Did something good happen lately?"
The mobile suit pilot was still thinking of a response when the image of Haruka planting her lips above his brows inside the library suddenly flashed. No words managed to escape from him as he attempted to answer his teacher's question. He only felt that his usual hardened demeanor allowed a subtle, barely noticeable smile to appear from his lips.
"I... guess so, Takahashi sensei."
"With that kind of reaction, I think it was something wonderful." The homeroom teacher concluded as she observed him.
"Could it be... love?" Maya added, as she held her index finger up while keeping a black log book close to her chest.
'Huh? Love?' Heero mused, now confused at the direction their conversation was heading.
"I don't know what you're talking about sensei." The Gundam pilot coolly replied, however, it was not enough to deter his teacher.
"Call it a woman's instinct. I'm not a teacher for nothing."
Heero was still pondering his thoughts when he became aware of two approaching figures. It was Kaoru along with one of their classmates, Keiko Tanaka, a petite girl that stood a few inches above Tanamachi's shoulder. Sporting straight chestnut brown hair falling evenly a couple of inches above her shoulders, the shy young lady was Kaoru's closest female friend. The tomboyish girl could be seen hanging out with Keiko whenever she's not in the company of Junichi and Masayoshi. They overheard a bit of the conversation between Heero and Maya, while walking along the school halls. Kaoru decided to join the discussion as they came near the Gundam Pilot and their homeroom teacher.
"Well this is a strange sight. I never thought Heero would be lectured by Takahashi sensei." Kaoru said as she looked at Maya.
"No, I'm not reprimanding Heero-kun. How could I? Especially, since he's currently at the top of the Second Year rankings despite being a transferee."
'I don't think I'm going to like where this conversation is leading to.' Heero thought, as he continued to observe in silence.
"We were just talking about how Heero-kun's springtime has apparently arrived." Maya Takahashi stated which obviously got the attention of Kaoru.
The wavy dark haired Kaoru paused for a moment upon hearing their teacher's words, in that instant she recalled the tutorial session with Heero inside the library. It reminded her mostly of the pretty campus idol, whom she hinted should be the real focus of discussion. With such thoughts providing answers to the questions in her mind, she was fully surprised at the sudden sting of pain, pinching her chest from within as the idea presented itself.
'The rumors might be true then... Heero and Morishima sempai is indeed an item. And she is his springtime.' Kaoru speculated, before she decided to avert the topic.
"Springtime seems to be here for everyone though." The tomboyish young woman announced, while nudging the unprepared Keiko beside her.
"Huh?" Keiko stuttered, fully surprised at being placed in the hot seat.
"For you as well Tanaka-san?" Ms. Takahashi asked, as the shy Keiko blush deep red from embarrassment.
"Kaoru..." Keiko trailed, looking at the obsidian eyed young woman with pleading eyes.
"Sorry! Sorry! I take that back!" Kaoru said, apologizing sincerely to her friend.
Heero was about to excuse himself when Maya Takahashi returned her attention to him.
"Yuy-san, don't try to avoid the topic by escaping. Has springtime arrived? Or someone is making you feel its spring already."
The Gundam Pilot had been relegated to an observer since Kaoru and Keiko joined their discussion. Knowing that his teacher would not let him off easily without any answer, Heero again pondered his thoughts and weighed his words carefully before giving them an answer. As all three looked at him seriously, he could not help but wonder why people during this era were focused on such... emotions.
"I am not yet certain. Honestly, I am not familiar with these sorts of things. And I highly doubt if it will arrive for someone like me."
"Heero, there are a lot of girls who are interested in you on that matter." Kaoru replied, as she felt something inside her went out for the Gundam Pilot upon hearing his answer.
Haruka Morishima was in a good mood while on her way back to the Third Year's building. The raven haired beauty managed to order and finish her meal without experiencing the usual chaos during lunch break. She decided to pass through the left wing stairway as it was a much closer route to her building. On her way there, the pretty campus idol was surprised to see Heero in a conversation with a group of girls. She recognized the first was his homeroom teacher, Ms. Maya Takahashi. The second was a petite girl with brown hair which she assumed to be a classmate of the mobile suit pilot. The third and last one caused her lips to open slightly as Haruka held her breath upon recognizing it was none other than... Kaoru Tanamachi.
It had been four days since she last saw them, both were walking home together after the tutorial lessons inside the library. Haruka had never expected to run into Heero as she was still thinking of a way to approach him and apologize for the commotion she caused within the library. The campus idol went towards their direction cautiously, she decided to hide behind one of the building columns and listen on the discussion first while considering what to do next.
'It's already difficult for me to see him with one girl, now there are already three talking to him... Ohhh... What is happening to me...?' Haruka sighed, while contemplating her actions when she heard Heero spoke.
"Matters in which I am unsure on how to respond. However, I think that those... feelings are crucial to this stage in life."
'Matters? Feelings?' The words echoed inside Haruka's mind.
"So you're saying that feelings such as love is important but don't believe it will happen to you?" Ms. Takahashi inquired, casting a critical look at the brown haired boy.
"I have my doubts. Honestly, I would not know how to respond due to unfamiliarity. But I do believe in one thing though." The mobile suit pilot paused, without breaking eye contact on the group.
All three girls and Haruka remained silent as they strained to hear the Prussian eyed boy's next set of words.
"That the best way to live a good life is to act on your emotions." Heero answered without any uncertainty.
'Heero...' Haruka sighed, as she felt a warm feeling rapture her due to the wisdom of his response.
"My my... That's a deep one, Heero-kun." Maya replied, nodding her head in agreement to the Gundam Pilot.
"It's the principle I've lived my life on, Takahashi sensei."
'...act on your emotions...' Haruka mused, while she repeated the lines.
'Act on your emotions... Live a good life...'
Maya Takahashi smiled and nodded at the Gundam Pilot, while Keiko gave him a look of awed expression before bowing slightly in respect to his belief. Kaoru remained silent as she fixed her stare at the brown haired boy. A flicker of hope had been ignited within the feisty young woman upon hearing the cobalt blue eyed boy's philosophy. However, all of them were surprised when a hand suddenly appeared from behind the building column and began pulling at Heero's sleeves.
Haruka made herself known to the group as she used her right hand to tug at the Gundam Pilot's left sleeve. Heero on his part was slightly puzzled when he realized it was none other than the pretty campus idol pulling at his uniform's sleeve.
"Morishima sempai?" Heero queried, as he fixed his gaze to the raven haired beauty.
"Do you mind if I borrow him for a bit?" Haruka asked, smiling softly while looking at Maya Takahashi's direction.
"Huh? Oh, no, go ahead." Maya answered, as she was startled at Haruka's sudden appearance.
"Thank you sensei, please excuse us!" Haruka immediately replied, pulling a now confused Heero along with her.
'There's something wrong with her.' The mobile suit pilot mused, as he followed Haruka.
"Morishima sempai, why are you pulling me by the sleeve?"
"Cause I wanted to try holding your sleeve." Haruka answered, while attempting to mask the firmness in her voice.
Haruka whisked Heero away from the group and dragged the mobile suit pilot down the stairway.
"He's good. No wonder the rumors I heard have its merits." Maya noted, as she smiled at the retreating forms of Haruka and Heero.
"Kaoru-san..." Keiko uttered, as she saw the depressed look on her friend.
'The competition is stiff, what should I do?' Kaoru thought, leaving Maya and Keiko without saying another word.
"Morishima sempai, where do you plan on going?" Heero curiously asked.
"Ehh... where was I going again..." Haruka trailed tentatively, which slightly alarmed the brown haired boy.
'Something seems to be bothering her.' The Gundam Pilot thought as both of them stopped by the shoe lockers.
"I forgot." The pretty campus idol completed, as she closed both eyes and tilted her face away from him.
"Totally your fault, okay." Haruka added, before pursing her lips while both cheeks were shaded pink with embarrassment.
"Huh... My fault?"
"Cause you look like you were having so much fun with Takahashi sensei and all of those girls." The raven haired beauty replied, before averting her gaze from Heero, as her face was now flushed red due to blushing uncontrollably.
"What were you talking about?" Haruka softly inquired, crossing both arms above her chest while facing away from Heero as she fought off to steady the turmoil raging within.
'Hnn... She seems tensed and a bit distressed.'
"Hey... Yuy-kun, what were you talking about?" The raven haired beauty calmly repeated, as she willed the wave of emotions inside her to subside.
"They were teasing that springtime finally arrived for me. Honestly, I was unable to respond appropriately. Since, I'm still unfamiliar with such things."
Haruka was surprised but more importantly relieved upon hearing Heero's response. Her heart seemed to have resumed its normal beating while her mind had started to clear from an array of thoughts that previously clouded her insight. The cornflower blue eyed girl inhaled deeply before exhaling softly as her body stabilized back to normal.
"O-oh... is that what you were talking about."
"Yes." The Gundam Pilot confirmed.
"I see. So that was it." Haruka meekly said as she rubbed both palms shyly by the hems of her skirt, extremely embarrassed at the result of her earlier actions after knowing the true cause.
"I'm sorry if it worried you Morishima sempai." Heero apologized to her, his eyes showed a hint of concern for Haruka.
The raven haired beauty smiled impishly at the mobile suit pilot upon hearing his words. An idea had suddenly presented itself in her mind, she recalled the principle Heero mentioned earlier and summoned enough courage to drive it into a reality. 'Act on your emotions...'
"Yuy-kun, I'll forgive you in one condition."
The brown haired boy simply nodded his head to the pretty campus idol.
"Take me some place outside the campus that you think I'd like."
Heero smiled subtly and did not have second thoughts when he gently pulled Haruka towards the western fences.
"Be careful, Morishima sempai." Heero cautioned the pretty campus idol while he lifted a cut off portion from the school's perimeter fence.
Haruka finished crawling and dusted herself off after clearing the western fence. She then followed the Gundam Pilot as he moved towards a small shack situated amidst bushes and trees at the woods outside the school territory. Her mind raced with numerous possibilities when she saw him about to enter what appears to be a tool shed.
'Yuy-kun, I don't know if my heart is ready for this.'
"Morishima sempai, wait for me here." Heero told her before entering the wooden hut.
The sky blue eyed young woman nodded nervously as her eyes followed the brown haired boy till he disappeared inside the small shack.
'I believe in you Yuy-kun. I'm not sure what to do though if that's what you want...'
Haruka was still immersed under a wide variety of animated ideas that she was surprised to see Heero coming out from the tool shed pulling a motorbike with him. The raven haired beauty silently chastised herself for having such thoughts and smiled weakly at the Gundam Pilot, again feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment.
"We might miss the classes this afternoon, are you fine with this Morishima sempai?" Heero reminded her, to which she nodded profusely.
"It's ok, Yuy-kun." Haruka answered, while she moved towards him as Heero sat down on the motorcycle.
"Is this yours?" She asked, pertaining to the motorbike where Heero was now mounted.
"No, it belongs to my boss. He lets me use it. Sometimes I bring it to school. I could only park it here though since we're not allowed to ride motorcycles per campus regulations."
The motorcycle was a 2003 Honda CBR600F4i painted crimson red, with streaks of black paint illustrating what seem to be wings at the side and underbelly. It has a high output liquid cooled DOHC 16-valve four stroke engine with a straight intake tract. A high pressure programmed fuel injection that delivers fuel to four injectors maximizing combustion efficiency and power. Along with aluminum composite cylinder sleeves for superior heat dissipation and smooth shift close ratio six-speed transmission. The bike's chassis and suspension were made from lightweight aluminum alloy while the brakes feature molybdenum coated pistons for the twin front calipers and a single piston hydraulic rear disc brake.
The riding position is primarily inclined for racing but is comfortable for passenger back ride use. Its versatility makes it a favorite for bike aficionados who crave for top of the line technology at normal off-track road conditions.
"Hnn... Morishima sempai... is it amenable with you to piggy-back ride with me? This cycle has a strong pull. Sitting sideways will throw us off balance when I do some turns."
"It's alright Yuy-kun. My skirt is long enough for anything underneath to be seen and I have good faith you." Haruka replied, looking intently at the Gundam Pilot.
Heero nodded before Haruka positioned herself at his rear and gently entwined her arms around his waist.
'What is this feeling...?' The brown haired boy mused, as he felt the soft pressure from Haruka's body. He was unable to move his own body after feeling the warm sensation brought by the raven haired beauty as she hugged him from behind.
"Yuy-kun, are you having any weird ideas?" Haruka teasingly inquired, looking at him curiously with her trademark smile of mischief painted on her lips.
Heero peered to his left and saw the raven haired girl smiling naughtily at him. Gathering his thoughts, he shook off all the unwanted ones before turning on the bike's ignition.
"Hold tight and lean your body on mine whenever we bank at corners."
"Roger that Yuy-kun." Haruka answered, kidding Heero further with a playful salute using her left hand.
The cobalt blue eyed boy nodded slightly before revving the motorcycle's engine. He sped off after feeling Haruka locked both hands and arms around his waist as she hugged him while seated at his back.
It was already dark. The night sky was a mantle of blue and purple, with a few stars decorating the heavens above. The time was only a few minutes past seven in the evening and there were still a good number of pedestrians left on the streets. Haruka Morishima was amongst them, currently humming softly, with a tender smile painted on her lips while a gentle glow was reflected on her face as she made her way home. It was understandable, as she had been in high spirits for the past 3 days, since that day she went out of the campus and cut classes with the Gundam Pilot.
The lights coming from the street lamps faintly illuminated the soft pinkish shade on her cheeks. The raven haired beauty could still feel the warm sensation that swept her as the scenes and memories from their trip replayed itself continuously with every bit of detail clearly inside her mind.
Haruka never felt more alive in her life till she experienced riding piggy-back on a motorcycle with Heero at the handle. A few clouds lay scattered across the skies shielding them from the harsh rays of the early afternoon sun. The pretty campus idol smiled as the wind gently touched her face, allowing her hair to softly sway as the cool breeze swept past them. Haruka was exhilarated and thrilled as Heero completed turns, he banked during corners and even made the motorcycle jump a few inches above the ground during slopes. She laughed whole heartedly, and even giggled at one incident when she felt the brown haired boy tensed for a swift instant when she hugged him tighter than usual while finishing a steep turn. The brown haired boy seemed to have a penchant for speed as the motorbike zoomed and zinged ferociously on the asphalt road while being capably maneuvered. She was amazed at his skill as the bike overcame any obstacle that the road seemed to throw at them. The trees and road signs all disappeared in a blur from her field of vision as they passed them with blinding speed while the motorcycle's engine roared in action. Haruka was even more astounded at the strange affinity between them as their bodies acted cohesively together whenever Heero needed to clear a sharp turn. It required him to bank the cycle parallel to the curve while both of them focused in keeping the balance by leaning their bodies in the opposite direction thereby maintaining the needed torque and proper center of gravity. For a moment Haruka wished that the road and journey would never end as she clung tightly to Heero. The raven haired beauty was finally able to rest the side of her face on Heero's back when she noticed the motorcycle began to slow down and maintained speeds in a more leisurely pace.
"Where are we going Yuy-kun?" Haruka finally managed to ask.
"We're almost there Morishima sempai." Heero said as he continued to steer the bike towards their destination.
True enough, a few minutes later they have already reached a very familiar place for Haruka.
Kibitou View Deck Park was a popular attraction and destination not only for tourists but also to the local population. It is located atop a plateau overlooking the whole city of Kibitou. Visitors of the park are treated to a breathtaking view of the entire city and surrounding area including the bay and shoreline extending outwards the ocean. The view deck was considered primarily a meeting place for couples, resting place for joggers and health buffs while children could be found at the playgrounds on afternoons. During weekends it serves as a picnic ground for families as well as a date spot for lovers. However, today was a weekday, and it was only an hour past noon. The park as expected was empty with the exception of Heero and Haruka. After leaving the motorcycle in a shaded portion at the parking area, Heero was led by Haruka to the railings of the main view deck.
"I used to come here everyday to look at that." Haruka pointed her right index finger to the horizon.
Heero's eyes traced the raven haired beauty's arm to the tip of her finger which landed on a faraway mountain across the sea.
"You see the huge mountain over there in the distance, across the ocean?"
The Gundam Pilot nodded slightly to the sky blue eyed girl as he listened to her story.
"When the weather's clear you can see way out across the ocean. You're just like him, you know?"
"Do I remind you of someone?"
"Of a dog I used to have!"
'Huh? A dog?' The Gundam Pilot mused, surprised at Haruka's comparison.
"It's hard to say though, since you don't show much reaction on your face." Haruka noted, before returning her attention to him.
"Sorry, Yuy-kun!"
"It's alright Morishima sempai, no worries."
"The reason I came to the park almost everyday was because of John, a dog I had since three, died years ago during Christmas." The sky blue eyed young woman started, as she stared at the horizon.
"And every time I think of that makes me sad. But I know John wouldn't want to see me like this, and I don't want to make him worry." She continued, while looking at the Gundam Pilot with a sad smile.
"So I came here, to his favorite park, and tell myself that I have to cheer up!"
Haruka sat down at the bench situated near the railings before adding, "This bench is John's favorite, and we used to sit here all the time."
She noticed Heero nodded his head subtly in understanding, before turning her head towards the ocean's direction. The cornflower blue eyed girl breath in the fresh air and looked contentedly at her surroundings. Her inner self had been greatly appeased since coming to the view deck park. She felt another part of her go out to the unknowing Gundam Pilot. She smiled softly, remembering the brashness of her whim and his response to that request, the pretty campus idol felt her heart approved more at the Prussian eyed boy.
'Heero...'
As she shifted back her gaze to the brown haired boy, Haruka was startled upon seeing the intense look in his face. The mobile suit pilot's eyes were seriously fixed on the ground. The raven haired beauty became worried at him as she noted the faint hint of pain and sadness Heero tried to conceal in his eyes. She moved closer to him and held his head using both of her hands, tilting his face to meet hers.
Haruka stared deeply into Heero's cobalt blue orbs, she attempted to discern the emotions he had closely guard within. She was certain that something might have caused the Gundam Pilot to slightly open those windows of his soul. In an action that came naturally to them both, Haruka gently placed Heero's head to rest at the crook of her shoulder before stroking his hair softly with her hand.
"Yuy-kun... I am very thankful you brought me here. Actually, this is the one place I like most in Kibitou."
Haruka heard his usual grunt of acknowledgment as she continued, "I don't know what's in your thoughts or what you feel right now. I just want you to know that I'm here for you. Whatever your endeavors are, Yuy-kun."
They remained like that for a while, neither of them talked as Haruka gently stroked Heero's brown hair. Both of them content and at ease with the serene atmosphere. Birds were chirping while perched on the trees around the park, the buzzing of a few cicadas could be heard as the sun peeked slightly amidst the cover of clouds. Haruka closed her sky blue eyes as she leaned her head against Heero's own which was nestled above her shoulder.
'I want to stay with you like this... always.'
She was broken off from her reverie when Heero gently lifted his head and gazed at her eyes. Haruka timidly glanced back at the Gundam Pilot meeting his piercing Prussian blue orbs. She felt enamored and overwhelmed as she fought back her own emotions while their eyes again locked each other in a warm embrace. Haruka knew that behind those seemingly cold, hard and unfeeling eyes was a sensible, kind-hearted individual who closely guarded his emotions.
"Thank you, Morishima sempai." Heero simply uttered, as those words were enough to give her complete assurance as she felt her own feelings flutter.
"I'll take you here anytime you want me to." He added, looking at her intently much to Haruka's own delight.
The pretty campus idol nodded in agreement to him, as the mobile suit pilot stood up and offered his hand to her.
"I'll keep your word on that, Yuy-kun!" She happily answered, while taking Heero's hand.
A soft and tender smile lingered on Haruka's lips as she closed the gates of her house. She was quite relaxed since tomorrow was already a Saturday, the raven haired beauty was then reminded of the day out she had set with Hibiki once classes were over. As she turned to walk towards the front door of her home, the pretty campus idol was reminded of the forlorn look on Heero's face which prompted her to hug the Gundam Pilot while they were at the view deck park.
'I wonder what he was thinking at that time...'
Heero was already half-way on his shift, as he pulled the levers that operated the gigantic retractable crane ferrying galvanized steel I-beams from the ground up to the 43rd floor. Minoru Takeda had indeed been true to his word, the GDT big man increased his salary three-fold apart from keeping him working solely on the heavy machinery in the construction site. The Gundam Pilot had been doing back to back shifts lately. He paused for a while to take a short breather before remembering that after tomorrow's duty he'll be visiting Kaoru at her workplace just like he had promised. Heero had been grateful to the tomboyish young woman for lending him a copy of her notes that day he missed the second half their classes when he went to the view deck park with Haruka.
He smirked a little upon recalling the time spent with the pretty campus idol. Admittedly he had enjoyed every moment they had been together. As he directed the large crane to the designated drop point, Heero felt his cheeks heating up a bit when the memory of the beautiful raven haired woman riding piggy-back with him flashed inside his mind. The soft feel and warmth coming from her body pressing at his back, the fragrance of her hair as the wind swept it at times towards his direction, and the smile she held on her face while on their way to the park.
The Prussian eyed boy unexpectedly saw another side of the usually carefree and playful Haruka. It surprised him to learn that she also had her share of sad memories and trusted him enough to expose some of her weaknesses. The raven haired beauty earned his respect upon hearing her determination, resolve and eventual acceptance to the death of her dog, John.
"Dog... Die... Christmas..." He heard the words coherently inside him.
He felt his head start to ache as memories of a forgotten past resurfaced from his sea of thoughts.
'How many more times must I kill that girl and her dog…?' He painfully recalled, remembering the exact words he said to Wufei almost a year ago in his timeline.
The Gundam pilot grunted, as all this time he thought that the incident five years before was already buried deep within the recesses of his soul. The instant Haruka told him about the loss of her dog John years ago during Christmas prompted that old forbidden memory to rush out from the Pandora's Box he had kept it hidden.
His head throbbed while Haruka continued her tale about her dog, Heero willed himself to calm down as he blocked the impending guilt and horror brought by that painful memory from his past. The pretty campus idol seemed to have noticed him and did something unexpectedly to him.
She held his face to hers and gently laid his head to rest at the crook of her shoulder. The action occurred to them in a very normal and natural sense, which didn't result to any kind of awkwardness from both ends. Haruka was able to see through his pain but she never intruded his personal space. The raven haired beauty did not attempt on asking him spill to out the details playing inside his mind during that time. She didn't even pry or at the very least inquire at his sudden change in demeanor.
She simply held him.
She cared for him.
She nurtured his inner being.
The cornflower blue eyed young woman never pretended at any point that she understood him or knew what he felt. Her actions itself speaks more than a thousand words of assurance could ever mean to the mobile suit pilot.
And with her honesty, Heero knew that Haruka threatens to claim something very precious to him as he heard her utter those words.
"I don't know what's in your thoughts or what you feel right now. I just want you to know that I'm here for you. Whatever your endeavors are, Yuy-kun."
She simply desired for him to know that she cared. Haruka only wanted to inform him that she was there for him. And knowing the kind-hearted sempai, her words were full of sincerity.
Her soothing care was more than enough to put his heart and mind at rest. And those painful memories seemed to have abated for now...
'Morishima sempai...'
Heero flicked another switch and moved two more levers as he returned the gigantic crane down to the ground. He had previously notified the foreman that he'll be taking a short break after the last delivery. With that completed, he left the machine after shutting it down and securing the crane into its default position. Satisfied that everything is in place he proceeded to the makeshift mess hall to eat his allocated food ration for the shift.
Cafe Restaurant Totosu was a decent, above the standard family restaurant in Kibitou. It was located at the edge of the commercial center bordering the business district. The establishment was quite known thanks it's two main attractions, first due to the unique set of dishes readily available and second, were the waitresses who serve them. The young women working at Cafe Totosu wore cute uniforms aside from being physically attractive. Kaoru Tanamachi was one of them, wearing a light pink blouse with thin red lace tied neatly into a ribbon for her top. The tomboyish girl's bottom half was a maroon skirt and a white French maid apron which fell a couple of inches above her knees exposing a bit of the creamy white flesh of her thighs. Further below them were the black thigh high stockings and a matching pair of black doll shoes. Completing her attire was the white maid band tied on top of her head which allowed a few locks of her wavy hair to fall down at the sides of her face.
It was Saturday and the evening was still young, Kaoru excitedly took another glance at the wall clock behind the counter. The obsidian eyed young woman had been eagerly waiting for Heero, as the Gundam Pilot promised her that he'll have his dinner at Cafe Totosu once finished with his own part-time job. This resulted for Kaoru to be in a very good mood since her shift started, as the dark wavy haired young woman had been a ball of energy that amazed her co-workers and even the store manager. She was tireless in assisting and taking orders from the customers, even volunteered to wipe clean most of the chairs and tables at the dining area. The tomboyish young woman wanted to keep herself busy to avert her mind on Heero's impending visit. However, her fellow waitresses were able to notice that Kaoru would always spare a glance at given intervals on the wall clock near the counter. As the other waitresses talked amongst themselves, they could not help but compare her behavior to a newly wedded wife waiting for her husband to come home.
'It's just 6:45pm, there's still more than an hour to go before he comes out of the construction site.' Kaoru muttered under her breathe after stealing another look at the clock.
'I'm all worked out knowing he'll be eating his dinner here.' The obsidian eyed girl sighed as she attempted to calm her excitement.
Kaoru was organizing her thoughts about the brown haired boy when she heard the sound of bells and wind chimes. It was their signal that a customer was opening the main door entrance. Clearing the mobile suit pilot out of her head, she put up her best smile and approached the incoming customer.
"Welcome to Cafe Totosu! How may I help you?" Kaoru greeted way too perky than she normally does. She bowed deeply before taking a look at the customer's face. As she raised her upper body, the dark wavy haired girl heard a few sighs and gasps from her co-workers.
'Huh? What's going on?'She wondered.
Kaoru got one of the biggest surprises in her life as she finally met the gaze of the person in front.
It was him.
True, she was expecting Heero to visit her at work today, but Kaoru did not anticipate him to arrive this early. The obsidian eyed young woman did not realize that her lips were slightly agape as her eyes stirred while staring at him. Heero had unknowingly caught Kaoru unprepared, and right now the Gundam Pilot was looking at her with his piercing cobalt blue orbs. The wavy haired girl felt her chest drumming wildly as the temperature began to rise up from her face to her ears as both were burning red with embarrassment.
"Good evening, Kaoru." Heero said in a deep yet cordial tone.
"Ah... ha... he-hello, H-Heero." Kaoru stammered, as she felt a drop of cold sweat trickle down from the side of her cheek.
The Prussian eyed boy nodded to her before asking, "Kaoru, are you alright?"
'Now he's thinking I'm crazy...'
"Eh? Oh, I-I'm good... P-Please follow me as I take you to your table."
'Arrghh... Now that he's here I start to lose my mind! Focus, Kaoru, focus!'
She led the way to the dining area and got him settled at a table near the glass window panel. Kaoru handed the menu to Heero before pulling out an electronic pad she'll be using to take his order. As the Gundam Pilot began browsing at the list, Kaoru took the opportunity to examine his facial features. Her eyes hovered at his dark brown hair, before settling on his face, moving particularly on his eyes then to his lips.
'He's really good looking... His face, his eyes and lips... He could draw any woman in without even intending to.'
Kaoru was broken off her daze when Heero placed down the menu card at the table and turned to ask her something.
"What's your recommendation, Kaoru?"
"W-well... Since Winter season is approaching, uhm, p-please try our Winter Flavors fair." The tomboyish girl answered, smiling brightly in an attempt to conceal the stutter in her voice.
Heero grunted and nodded to her before asking another query, "Anything in particular?"
"O-ohh... A-ahh... Y-yes, of course... Among the bestsellers is the Northern Crab Gratin and Japanese Style Enogi Mushroom Pasta."
'I really need to get my composure back.'
"Kaoru if there's anything wrong, tell me. You've been sweating a lot since I got here." Heero inquired, looking seriously at her.
"I'm fine! Really, I'm alright. So... what will you have then?" Kaoru answered, hoping to divert his attention away from her.
"I'll go for the Northern Crab Gratin."
"OK, anything else? Something to drink, like soda or iced tea?" The obsidian eyed young woman asked, composing herself by paying more attention to Heero's order.
"Just a glass of cold water. Thank you Kaoru."
"Alright, one Northern Crab Gratin coming right up. Please wait while we fix your order, Heero. I'll just get you a glass of water first."
As Kaoru headed back to the counter, she was immediately cornered by two of her fellow waitresses who had been eyeing Heero since he came inside the restaurant.
"Tanamachi-san! We didn't know your boyfriend was going to visit you today!" Chisato, one of her co-workers exclaimed, looking at Kaoru with sparkling eyes.
"Yes! Now we understand why you've been fidgeting all the time while staring at that wall clock impatiently!" Miyabi her other co-waitress chimed in, while staring at Heero's direction.
"My goodness... He's so handsome... if I had a boyfriend like that, I'd tie him up and lock him inside my room..." Chisato stated, as her light green eyes dreamily gazed at Heero.
"Or better yet, pretend I'm having his baby and drag him to the altar..." Chisato added earning a giggle from Miyabi.
"Tanamachi-san, how does it feel being hugged by those slender arms with firm muscles that boyfriend of yours has?" Miyabi asked, as Kaoru began blushing.
"W-well..."
"Chisato, Miyabi, both of you, get back to work! You're disturbing Kaoru." A gruff male voice interrupted, causing both waitresses to stand straight before leaving the counter in order to attend at the needs of their own customers.
"Thank you, Mr. Katsumo, and one Northern Crab Gratin for table 3. I'm just going to get him a glass of cold water." Kaoru replied after placing some ice cubes on an empty glass before filling it with cold water from a pitcher.
"One Northern Crab Gratin coming right up. Oh, and Kaoru, hands down to your choice of man. I have to admit, he's better looking than me." The manager, Mr. Akira Katsumo said before winking one eye at Kaoru as he set to prepare Heero's order.
'Arrghhh... All of them are teasing me!'
Feeling her whole face flushed red with embarrassment, Kaoru went back to the Gundam Pilot's table and placed down the glass of iced water on top of his table.
"Thanks, Kaoru." Heero said, again looking curiously at Kaoru, noticing that her face was all red, the Gundam Pilot asked another question.
"Do you have a fever?"
'I really need to calm myself down...'
"No... Uhhmm... It's the powder I put on my face, it reacts to this restaurant's lighting."
The brown haired boy seemed to understand and nodded at Kaoru.
"Heero, excuse me for a moment, I'll just check on your order, OK?"
"Understood." Heero replied, never breaking his stare at Kaoru's face.
Excusing herself from the mobile suit pilot, Kaoru immediately went to the employees lounge to calm her emotions and steady her thoughts. As she stood in front of a mirror the employees use to check themselves before going to the dining area, the obsidian eyed woman finally accepted the truth as she saw the warm reddish glow on her face, the continuous rapid beating of her heart and the sparkle that gleamed in her eyes. The mirror in front of her showed a portrait of a different woman, of a different Kaoru Tanamachi, a girl who is obviously, and utterly...
"...likes Heero... not just a friend... but more." Kaoru spoke to herself as she placed a hand on her cheek while looking at her reflection in the mirror.
'...best way to live a good life is to act on your emotions.' His words echoed in her mind, as the obsidian eyed young woman resolved to follow the same principle.
She smiled warmly at the self-admission, before making a final check on her uniform and leaving the lounge just in time to get Heero's order.
"Hibiki, aren't we there yet? I'm already hungry... And I want to see them!" A cheerful voice rang behind Hibiki as the swim team captain turned to look at her companion.
"Haruka, you're not convincing anyone, especially with that tone in your voice. You're really excited on seeing the uniforms of those waitresses." Hibiki calmly answered, while looking at Haruka who was bounding with her steps from behind.
"Ehhh! But they're really cute! Remember when we passed in front of that restaurant last week? I like to see you wearing one of those uniforms!" Haruka said, as she smiled hopefully at Hibiki.
"Haruka, that is something you will never get me to do, I agree with you that their uniforms are cute, but I'd be too embarrassed to wear one." Hibiki replied to which the pretty campus idol pouted.
They continued walking towards their destination when Hibiki suddenly remembered something she had wanted to ask Haruka.
"Why were you absent after lunch break last Tuesday? Be honest, Haruka."
"Well... I cut classes with Yuy-kun. We went outside the campus using his big red motorcycle." The raven haired beauty admitted as a soft smile appeared from her lips.
Hibiki shook her head and smiled as well, it was something she'd expect from Haruka. Their homeroom teacher was informed that someone accompanied Haruka back to her house after feeling sick during lunch time. No one knew the person's identity, but through Hibiki's careful inquiry, the swim team captain also learned that the Second Year Transferee, Heero Yuy was absent on the afternoon classes as well.
"Where did you two go?"
"Ohh... That's a secret, Hibiki. That place was quite special." Haruka answered, her eyes were gleaming with happiness.
"You really like him, don't you?" Hibiki inquired, smiling knowingly at her best friend.
"Hibiki, I already told you before. Me and Yuy-kun are very good friends. He's the only boy I could be comfortable with. I'm fine being myself in front of him. He seems to never get tired while listening at me. I feel at ease with him"
'Haruka, you're still not honest with yourself. You've practically admitted everything you like about that boy.' The swim team captain mused as she smiled at her friend.
"OK, if that's what you say, at least you could tell me what you guys did."
"Like I told you earlier, we drove there riding his red motorbike. I never knew that Yuy-kun has a thing for speed. But I enjoyed that ride. He banked the bike during sharp curves and even made the cycle jump whenever we clear slopes." Haruka narrated animatedly, using her right hand to simulate the bike's movement.
Hibiki laughed softly at Haruka when she noticed that they were only a block away to their destination. Turning her attention back to her best friend's story, she realized that Haruka failed to mention an important detail of the motorcycle ride.
"How was it possible for Yuy-san to do all that if you were riding with him? An accident might have happened since he has to balance the motorbike for two persons."
"I was riding piggy-back behind him, Hibiki! We need to compensate for the bike's center of gravity when we turn during corners and bank while on sharp curves. It was really amazing! We both seemed to have one mind and body!"
"Could you tone down a bit Haruka... someone might hear you and misinterpret what you're saying. Also we're already near the restaurant."
"You have a point, Hibiki. Sorry, but you know that motorcycle ride was something I'll never forget..." Haruka trailed, as she noticed something familiar at the corner of her eye while they passed by the parking lot beside the establishment.
The raven haired beauty stopped walking. Instead she examined the red motorcycle that was parked at the nearest slot of the parking area. Haruka smiled warmly as she confirmed it was none other than the bike being driven by the Prussian eyed boy.
"Hibiki! Look, this is THE motorcycle that Heero uses! He must be here somewhere!"
"Most probably, he's eating at... what's this restaurant's name again?"
"Cafe Restaurant Totosu, Hibiki!" Haruka exclaimed, as she pointed to the signboard.
"Well come on, you get to see the cute waitresses and your special someone too." Hibiki replied, teasing Haruka as they moved towards the restaurant.
"There you go again, I already told you, Yuy-san and I..."
"I think... That's him, Haruka... there." The swim team captain stopped Haruka in mid-sentence, pointing to the glass panel where Heero's back was visible.
Haruka felt her heart flutter as her cornflower blue eyes gazed tenderly at the Gundam Pilot. A warm smile appeared from her lips while her cheeks glowed with a shade of light pink. She had wanted to see him since that trip but had been unable to do so as the number of schoolwork assigned to the Third Years for the second term finals took most of her time. The pretty campus idol increased her pace towards the restaurant's entrance with her sky blue orbs never leaving the mobile suit pilot's back.
'What will I tease Yuy-kun...'
The raven haired beauty was only a few more steps away from the entrance when she caught sight of the waitress serving Heero's meal. Haruka felt the world around her froze as she stopped dead on her tracks upon recognizing the waitress. Her chest reeled back from the sharp overwhelming pain, crippling Haruka to where she stood. Something within her seemed to have been shattered, hammered brutally into myriad pieces, like broken crystal shards scattered all over the ground. Everything was engulfed in silence, all sorts of sound and noise was muted, the whole background faded to nothingness. Time seemed to have been suspended as the scene flashed in front of her eyes.
'Why is it too painful... too unbearable... too hard for me to see him with another girl. Especially with that girl.'
The waitress placed down a plate of food on Heero's table. The Gundam Pilot nodded and conversed with the obsidian eyed young woman. He must have said something nice enough to cause her to smile. Haruka shifted her attention to the wavy dark haired waitress, as she caught the look in her eyes and redness of her face, Haruka realized one thing.
Kaoru Tanamachi has feelings for Heero.
She was familiar with those feelings as well. The raven haired beauty had been dishonest to the point that she even denied having such emotions towards Heero.
And right now, Haruka doesn't know if admittance only came into light when realization hit her in a very cruel way.
'Of course... Because... I...'
"Haruka? Are you alright?" Hibiki worriedly asked as she came beside the sky blue eyed beauty.
She was broken off her trance when Hibiki started talking to her, confused with her emotions, Haruka brushed past her friend, before breaking into a run back to the direction where they came from.
Haruka continued to run, past the busy streets and avenues of the commercial center, away from her original destination earlier. The night was still in its infancy, stars cover the evening with the full moon hovering above a cloudless sky. As she run past different shops and stalls, the raven haired beauty was sure of three things, one: she was hurt, two: she was paying the price of dishonesty, and three: she was feeling something that resulted from number two.
The pretty campus idol started to feel short of breath as exhaustion caught up with her. Eventually she began to slow down, taking her steps in a normal pace before halting to a stop. Her vision had been blurry, since she started running earlier. She did not focus much on her peripheral as all she wanted to do was leave that place. Right now, the soreness and irritation from her eyes were evidence enough of what she was previously unaware. Warm, salty, clear fluid flowed freely down from the corners of her two sky blue orbs.
Tears.
Haruka has been crying all the while she was running.
Feeling all the more defeated, she covered both her nose and mouth with one palm to suppress a stifled cry that escaped from her chest. Before using both hands to cover her face, allowing more tears to fall from her eyes. This was the first time she had experienced a torrent of emotions that completely overwhelmed her. She was powerless to hold back any more. Haruka Morishima understood clearly that she was helplessly feeling and completely consumed by one emotion, root cause to the end result of all her previous actions and current state.
That emotion was none other than jealousy.
'I'm... Jealous...' Haruka finally admitted, as she felt warm tears continue to flow unabated down from her eyes.
Author's Notes:
Took some time to complete this update, I'm nearing the 10,000 word barrier for a chapter.
Haruka - Amagami SS fans are familiar with her greatest flaw and weakness, which is jealousy. Episode 3 of the 4-part story arc dedicated to her was named similarly to this chapter. I intended to portray the intense emotions and reactions of our main heroine. Resulting from her usual evasion of the topic when it comes to her feelings for Heero.
Kaoru - OK, finally, I could say, "Here comes a new challenger!". With her entry to the scene, lines are now being drawn and sides are being taken. She is the catalyst of this story, forming the third angle and establishing a main threat for Heero's affections.
Heero - I've dropped some hints about the future direction of this story. Hopefully GW fans have noticed them, since our favorite Wing Zero Pilot has his own flaws as well. And I have no plans in portraying him as a perfect man.
My acknowledgment and appreciation to operation meteor for the support and sound advice I've been receiving for this story. Next of course to drake202 for the unwavering feedback and to RyuujinHaou a fellow Amagami SS fan who has a very good familiarity with our characters. To all those who have been reading, my deepest thanks.
And please don't forget to review or send a feedback, I've been really wondering if the story is good or not. I'm seeing lots of love for Chapter 4, but I'm still in the dark why its the heaviest viewed part.
Hope to hear your thoughts! Yeah - it really gets me all the more motivated and inspired whenever I read them.
Thanks! See you in 7!